Curved Seating Layout

ABSTRACT

A forward concave trapezoidal seating system and methods are presented. Trapezoidal seats comprise a front side smaller than a rear side. The trapezoidal seats are aligned in a forward arc from a straight seat to a most-angled seat. A straight side of the straight seat is configured to substantially align with a center line of an aircraft fuselage. A most-angled side of the most-angled seat is angled inboard relative to the straight side, and the most-angled seat is outboard of the straight seat. A side unit is coupled to the most-angled side and supports the trapezoidal seats.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to seatingdesign. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relateto aircraft seating design.

BACKGROUND

Due to aerodynamic and weight limits, commercial aircraft generally havea limited interior volume. The limited interior volume generally furtherlimits an available floor space and space for seating. Commercialaircraft are generally configured in a linear configuration of rows andcolumns of seats.

SUMMARY

A forward concave trapezoidal seating system and methods are presented.Trapezoidal seats comprise a front side smaller than a rear side. Thetrapezoidal seats are aligned in a forward arc from a straight seat to amost-angled seat from among the trapezoidal seats. A straight side ofthe straight seat is configured to substantially align with a centerline of an aircraft fuselage. A most-angled side of the most-angled seatis angled inboard relative to the straight side, and the most-angledseat is outboard of the straight seat. A side unit is coupled to themost-angled side and supports the trapezoidal seats.

Current seating generally assumes a floor area taken by a passenger is arectangle. Embodiments of the disclosure provide a curved seatingarrangement using trapezoidal wedges allowing greater seat width withoutdecreasing a quantity of seats which can be fit into an airplane cabinzone. Embodiments of the disclosure also provide triangular side stowageunits without decreasing seat width. Furthermore, embodiments of thedisclosure increase a number of seats that may be fit in a seating area.A triangular shaped passenger sidewall floor storage bin is enabled viausing trapezoid shaped seat cushions on passenger seats placed in acurved seating row.

In an embodiment, a forward concave trapezoidal seating system comprisestrapezoidal seats. The trapezoidal seats comprise a front side smallerthan a rear side, and the trapezoidal seats are aligned in a forward arcfrom a straight seat to a most-angled seat. The straight side of thestraight seat is configured to substantially align with a center line ofan aircraft fuselage. The most-angled side of the most-angled seatangled inboard relative to the straight side, and the most-angled seatoutboard of the straight seat. A side unit is coupled to the most-angledside and supports the trapezoidal seats.

In another embodiment, a method for configuring a curved seatingarrangement in an aircraft aligns a plurality of trapezoidal seatscomprising a front side smaller than a rear side in a forward arc from astraight seat from among the trapezoidal seats to a most-angled seatfrom among the trapezoidal seats. The method further configures astraight side of the straight seat to substantially align with a centerline of an aircraft fuselage, and configures the most-angled seatoutboard of the straight seat. The method further configures amost-angled side of the most-angled seat at an angle inboard relative tothe straight side, and couples a side unit that supports the trapezoidalseats to the most-angled side.

In a further embodiment, a method for configuring aircraft passengercabin seating configures a plurality of curved seating arcs eachcomprising a plurality of trapezoidal seats comprising a front sidesmaller than a rear side. The method further aligns each of the curvedseating arcs in a forward arc from a straight seat from among thetrapezoidal seats to a most-angled seat from among the trapezoidalseats. The method further positions the curved seating arcs in anaircraft cabin.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosuremay be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims whenconsidered in conjunction with the following figures, wherein likereference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures. Thefigures are provided to facilitate understanding of the disclosurewithout limiting the breadth, scope, scale, or applicability of thedisclosure. The drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a flow diagram of an exemplary aircraftproduction and service methodology.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary block diagram of an aircraft.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an isometric view of an interior of apassenger area of an aircraft showing an exemplary curved seatingarrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4A is an illustration of a plan view of an interior of a passengerarea of an aircraft showing an exemplary curved seating arrangementaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4B is an illustration of an expanded plan view of a portion of theinterior of the passenger area of the aircraft shown in FIG. 4A showingan exemplary curved seating arrangement in more detail according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 4C-4D are illustration of expanded top views of center sectionseats and an outboard section seats of an aircraft respectivelyaccording to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a large-scale plan view of an exemplary rowof three seats of a curved seating arrangement according to anembodiment of the disclosure compared to a row of three seats of anexisting seating arrangement.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of various views of an exemplary curvedseating arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a plan view of an exemplary curved seatingarrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a plan view of an exemplary curved seatingarrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a plan view of an exemplary curved seatingarrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary curved seating arrangementaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of various views of an exemplary curvedseating arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary passenger floor storage binaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an exemplary side support unit of a curvedseating arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an exemplary curved seating arrangementshowing added space according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a plan view of an interior of a passengerarea of an aircraft showing an exemplary curved seating arrangementaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure compared to existingseating arrangement.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a plan view of an interior of a passengerarea of an aircraft showing an exemplary curved seating arrangementaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure compared to existingseating arrangement.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an exemplary flowchart showing a processfor configuring a curved sitting arrangement according to an embodimentof the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of an exemplary flowchart showing a processfor configuring aircraft passenger cabin seating according to anembodiment of the disclosure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of theembodiments of the disclosure. Descriptions of specific devices,techniques, and applications are provided only as examples.Modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principlesdefined herein may be applied to other examples and applications withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The presentdisclosure should be accorded scope consistent with the claims, and notlimited to the examples described and shown herein.

Embodiments of the disclosure may be described herein in terms offunctional and/or logical block components and various processing steps.It should be appreciated that such block components may be realized byany number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configuredto perform the specified functions. For the sake of brevity,conventional techniques and components related to aircraft seating,aircraft seat layout, and other functional aspects of systems describedherein (and the individual operating components of the systems) may notbe described in detail herein. In addition, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may bepracticed in conjunction with a variety of hardware and software, andthat the embodiments described herein are merely example embodiments ofthe disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein in the context of anon-limiting application, namely, curved seating for an aircraft cabin.Embodiments of the disclosure, however, are not limited to such anaircraft cabin applications, and the techniques described herein mayalso be utilized in other applications. For example but withoutlimitation, embodiments may be applicable to air, sea, river or landtransport vehicles.

As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after readingthis description, the following are examples and embodiments of thedisclosure and are not limited to operating in accordance with theseexamples. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes maybe made without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, embodiments of thedisclosure may be described in the context of an exemplary aircraftmanufacturing and service method 100 (method 100) as shown in FIG. 1 andan aircraft 200 as shown in FIG. 2. During pre-production, the method100 may comprise specification and design 104 of the aircraft 200, andmaterial procurement 106. During production, component and subassemblymanufacturing 108 (process 108) and integration of system 110 (systemintegration 110) of the aircraft 200 takes place. Thereafter, theaircraft 200 may go through certification and delivery 112 in order tobe placed in service 114. While in service by a customer, the aircraft200 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service 116 (which may alsocomprise modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and so on).

Each of the processes of method 100 may be performed or carried out by asystem integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., a customer).For the purposes of this description, a system integrator may comprise,for example but without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturersand major-system subcontractors; a third party may comprise, for examplebut without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, andsuppliers; and an operator may comprise, for example but withoutlimitation, an airline, leasing company, military entity, serviceorganization; and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the aircraft 200 produced by the method 100 maycomprise an airframe 218 with a plurality of systems 220 and an interior222. Examples of high-level systems of the systems 220 comprise one ormore of a propulsion system 224, an electrical system 226, a hydraulicsystem 228, an environmental system 230, and curved seating 232. Anynumber of other systems may also be included.

Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be employed during any one ormore of the stages of the method 100. For example, components orsubassemblies corresponding to production of the process 108 may befabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components orsubassemblies produced while the aircraft 200 is in service. Inaddition, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or acombination thereof may be utilized during production stages of theprocess 108 and the system integration 110, for example, bysubstantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of an aircraft200. Similarly, one or more of apparatus embodiments, methodembodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized while the aircraft200 is in service, for example and without limitation, to maintenanceand service 116.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an isometric view of an interior such asthe interior 222 of a passenger area 300 of an aircraft such as theaircraft 200 showing an exemplary curved seating arrangement accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 4A is an illustration of a planview of the interior 222 of the passenger area 300 of the aircraft 200showing an exemplary curved seating arrangement according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

The passenger area 300 comprises a floor 302, a ceiling 304 andsidewalls 310 fitted inside a fuselage between a front end 312 and arear 314. The passenger area 300 comprises passenger chair seating suchas the seats 316, each of which have a trapezoidal base 318, a back 320and arm rests 322. The seats 316 are arranged in a row wherein the seats316 are adjacent to each other, and which are spaced along two aisles324/326 in a transverse direction thereto. Each of the seats 316(trapezoidal seats 316) may be wider at a rear side 422 of each of thetrapezoidal seats 316 than a front side 424 of the trapezoidal seats316. Furthermore, the trapezoidal base 318 at the back 320 of thetrapezoidal seats 316, where a passenger 340 torso rests, is wider thanthe front side 424 of the trapezoidal seats 316 where legs of thepassenger 340 are positioned.

As used wherein, a row may comprise a group of adjacent seats that neednot be in a strict straight line linear arrangement, and a row may meana curved row. Row, curved row, seating row and curved seating row may beused interchangeably in this document.

A line 416 from the outboard aisle seat 330 to one of sidewall seats 334is at a non-perpendicular angle 418 to the adjacent sidewall 310 and theaisle 324/326, providing an open area 420 next to the adjacent sidewall310. The non-perpendicular angle 418 may comprise, for example butwithout limitation, greater than about 99 and less than about 100degrees such as about 99.75 degrees. The open area 420 allows locating atriangular shaped passenger floor storage bin 342 (floor storage unit342) coupled to each of the sidewalls 310. A size of the open area 420and the floor storage unit 342 may depend on a spacing between seat rows(row pitch, see 902 in FIG. 9). For example, a front row or an exit rowmay have a larger row pitch and thus comprise more room for the floorstorage unit 342.

In an embodiment, the trapezoidal seats 316 are aligned in a forward arc426 from a straight seat from among the trapezoidal seats 316 to amost-angled seat from among the trapezoidal seats 316. The most-angledseat is located outboard of the straight seat. The straight seat may bethe outboard aisle seat 330 and the most-angled seat may be the sidewallseat 334. Alternatively, the straight seat may comprise a row centerseat 352 and the most-angled seat may be a center section aisle seat350.

A straight side 430 of the straight seat is configured to substantiallyalign (in parallel with) with a center line 428 of a fuselage of theaircraft 200 (FIG. 2). A most-angled side 432 of the most-angled seat isangled inboard relative to the straight side 430, where the most-angledseat is located outboard of the straight seat.

A side unit such as the triangular shaped passenger floor storage bin342 comprising a storage space, or a side support unit 344 may becoupled to the most-angled side 432 to support the trapezoidal seats316.

The most-angled seat is aligned at an angle that reduces an effect of acentrifugal force, a yaw force, and/or a roll force on the passenger340. The most-angled seat may be the sidewall seat 334 and/or a centersection aisle seat 350 (also shown in FIG. 4B).

FIG. 4B is an illustration of an expanded plan view of a portion of theinterior 222 (FIG. 2) of the passenger area 300 of the aircraft 200(FIG. 2) shown in FIG. 4A showing an exemplary curved seatingarrangement in more detail according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 4B is described herein in conjunction with FIG. 3.

The aisles 324/326 comprise parallel longitudinal planes of symmetry 402parallel with the center line 428. The center section aisle seats 350are adjacent to one of the aisles 324/326 and comprise a respectiveplane of reference 464 of the center section aisle seat 350. Theoutboard aisle seats 330 are adjacent to one of the aisles 324/326 andcomprise a respective plane of reference 404 of the outboard aisle seat330. The sidewall seats 334 are adjacent to one of the sidewalls 310 andcomprise a respective plane of reference 406 of the sidewall seat 334.Row center seats 328 are not adjacent to one of the aisles 324/326 orone of the sidewalls 310 and comprise a respective plane of reference408 thereof. Depending on a cabin configuration of the passenger area300, various numbers of the row center seats 328 may be between thecenter section aisle seat 350 and the sidewall seat 334.

The plane of reference 404 of each outboard aisle seat 330 is inclinedwith respect to the parallel longitudinal planes of symmetry 402 of theaisles 324/326 and the center line 428. The plane of reference 404 ofeach outboard aisle seat 330 forms an acute angle 410 relative to theparallel longitudinal planes of symmetry 402 and the center line 428 of,for example, more than about 4 degrees and less than about 5 degreessuch as about 4.5 degrees opening towards the back 320 of thetrapezoidal seats 316. The sidewall seats 334 are arranged differently.When a row has three seats, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the plane ofreference 406 forms an acute angle 412 with the parallel longitudinalplanes of symmetry 402 and the center line 428, opening towards the back320 of the trapezoidal seats 316.

The acute angle 412 may comprise, for example, less than about 23degrees, more than about 22 degrees and about 22.5 degrees openingtowards the back 320 of the trapezoidal seats 316. The row center seats328 which are not adjacent to an aisle nor to one of the sidewalls 310each have a plane of reference 408 which forms an acute angle 414 withthe parallel longitudinal planes of symmetry 402 and the center line428. The acute angle 414 may comprise, for example, less than about 14degrees, more than about 13 degrees and about 13.5 degrees openingtowards the back 320 of the trapezoidal seats 316.

Each of the outboard aisle seats 330 (e.g., for multiple rows) in theoutboard section 436 forms an angle 446 between a plane of reference 438and a plane of reference 440. The plane of reference 438 of the outboardaisle seat 330 may be substantially parallel with the parallellongitudinal planes of symmetry 402 and the center line 428. The rowcenter seats 328 in the outboard section 436 which are not adjacent toan aisle nor to one of the sidewalls 310 each forms an angle 448 betweenthe plane of reference 438 and a plane of reference 442. Each of thesidewall seats 334 forms an angle 450 between the plane of reference 438and a plane of reference 444.

Each of the center section aisle seats 350 in a center section 434 formsan angle 460 between a plane of reference 452 and a plane of reference456. The plane of reference 452 may be substantially parallel with theparallel longitudinal planes of symmetry 402 and the center line 428.Center section straight seats 352 in the center section 434 are notadjacent to an aisle 324/326 nor to one of the sidewalls 310, and eachforms an angle 458 between the plane of reference 452 and plane ofreference 454.

Each angle is additive, so in one embodiment for example, theapproximate angles 446, 448, and 450 may comprise about 9°, 18° and 27°respectively on the outboard section 436 (e.g., for three seats in arow), and angles 458 and 460 may comprise about 9° and 18° for thecenter section 434 respectively.

There is substantially not a single plane of symmetry through a middleof each of the trapezoidal seats 316. Thus, seats on a right hand sideof an airplane may use an interchangeable seat cushion, and seats on aleft hand side of the airplane may be a mirror dimensionally, but maynot be interchangeable with the interchangeable seat cushion for theright hand side of the airplane. A configuration of seat angles can beused to create adequate clearance between seats without needing toincrease a seat pitch. Seat cushion angles and relative angles betweenseats may be configured according to aircraft type.

FIGS. 4C-4D are illustration of expanded top views of seats on the thecenter section 434 and the outboard section 436 respectively accordingto embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a large-scale plan view 500 of an exemplaryrow of three seats comprising the trapezoidal base 318 of a curvedseating arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosurecompared to a row of three seats comprising a rectangular base 502 of anexisting seating arrangement. The curved seating arrangement using thetrapezoidal base 318 occupies a trapezoidal area 504 which is less thana rectangular area 506 occupied by the existing seating arrangement thatuses the rectangular base 502. The smaller space occupied by thetrapezoidal area 504 allows the floor storage unit 342 to be placedalongside the sidewall seat 334. In some embodiments, the trapezoidalseats 316 may be supported only by the floor storage unit 342. As shownin FIG. 5, the trapezoidal seats 316 comprising the sidewall seats 334,the row center seat 328 and the aisle seat 330, are suspended in acantilever manner.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of various views 600 of an exemplary curvedseating arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Afirst row seat 602 in a first row 604 can be adjusted back to fitbetween two seats in a second row 606 behind the first row 604. Thefirst row seat 602 may comprise, for example, the outboard aisle seat330 or a center seat such as the row center seats 328.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a plan view 700 of an exemplary curvedseating arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a perspective view 800 of an exemplarycurved seating arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a plan view 900 of an exemplary curvedseating arrangement showing a row pitch 902 according to an embodimentof the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary curved seating arrangement1000 showing a curved seating row 1002 according to an embodiment of thedisclosure. The curved seating row 1002 may be located at the centersection 434 comprising two of the center section straight seats 352between the center section aisle seats 350. The curved seating row 1002may further comprise two of the side support units 344 coupled to thecenter section aisle seats 350. In some embodiments, the curved seatingrow 1002 (e.g., trapezoidal seats 316 of the center section 434) may besupported only by the side support unit 344. As shown in FIG. 10, thecurved seating row 1002 (trapezoidal seats 316) are suspended in acantilever manner between the side support units 344.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of various views 1100 of an exemplary curvedseating arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Afirst row seat in a first row can be adjusted back in an adjustedposition 1102 to fit between two seats in the second row 606 behind thefirst row 604 as shown in FIG. 6 above. The straight seat may be theoutboard aisle seat 330 or a center seat such as the row center seats328.

In one embodiment, the trapezoidal seats 316 are supported only by aside unit such as the floor storage unit 342 or the side support unit344. Also, trapezoidal seats 1104 comprise a first most-angled seat 1106on a first side 1108 and a second most-angled seat 1110 on a second side1112. A first side unit 1114 is coupled to the first most-angled seat1106, and a second side unit 1116 is coupled to the second most-angledseat 1110. The trapezoidal seats 1104 are supported only by the firstside unit 1114 and the second side unit 1116.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary passenger floor storage bin342 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an exemplary side support unit 344 of acurved seating arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an exemplary curved seating arrangementshowing an added space such as the open area 420 and an open exit space1402 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a plan view of an interior of a passengerarea of an aircraft showing an exemplary curved seating arrangement 1502according to an embodiment of the disclosure compared to an existingseating arrangement 1504. Current seating layouts assume a floor areataken by a passenger is a rectangle such as the rectangular base 502shown in FIG. 5. Embodiments of the disclosure provide a curved seatingarrangement using trapezoidal wedges such as the trapezoidal base 318allowing greater seat width without decreasing a quantity of seats whichcan be fit into an airplane cabin zone. Embodiments of the disclosurealso provide the triangular shaped passenger floor storage bin 342without decreasing seat width. The triangular shaped passenger floorstorage bin 342 is enabled via using trapezoid shaped seat cushions onthe trapezoidal seats 316 placed in a curved seating row such as thecurved seating row 1002 shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a plan view of an interior of a passengerarea of an aircraft showing an exemplary curved seating arrangement 1502according to an embodiment of the disclosure compared to the existingseating arrangement 1504. Thus, in contrast to the curved seatingarrangement 1502, no added space such as the open area 420 is availablein the existing seating arrangement 1504.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an exemplary flowchart showing a process1700 for configuring a curved seating arrangement according to anembodiment of the disclosure. The various tasks performed in connectionwith process 1700 may be performed mechanically, by software, hardware,firmware, computer-readable software, computer readable storage medium,or any combination thereof. It should be appreciated that process 1700may include any number of additional or alternative tasks, the tasksshown in FIG. 17 need not be performed in the illustrated order, and theprocess 1700 may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure orprocess having additional functionality not described in detail herein.

For illustrative purposes, the following description of process 1700 mayrefer to elements mentioned above in connection with FIGS. 1-14. In someembodiments, portions of the process 1700 may be performed by differentelements of the arrangement shown, for example, in FIG. 3 such as: thetrapezoidal seats 316, the triangular shaped passenger floor storage bin342, the side support unit 344 etc. It should be appreciated thatprocess 1700 may include any number of additional or alternative tasks,the tasks shown in FIG. 17 need not be performed in the illustratedorder, and the process 1700 may be incorporated into a morecomprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality notdescribed in detail herein.

Process 1700 may begin by aligning a plurality of trapezoidal seatscomprising a front side smaller than a rear side in a forward arc from astraight seat from among the trapezoidal seats to a most-angled seatfrom among the trapezoidal seats (task 1702).

Process 1700 may continue by configuring a straight side of the straightseat to substantially align with a center line of an aircraft fuselage(task 1704).

Process 1700 may continue by configuring the most-angled seat outboardof the straight seat (task 1706).

Process 1700 may continue by configuring a most-angled side of themost-angled seat at an angle inboard relative to the straight side (task1708).

Process 1700 may continue by coupling a side unit operable to suspendthe trapezoidal seats (task 1710).

Process 1700 may continue by aligning the most-angled seat at an anglethat reduces an effect on a passenger of at least one of: a centrifugalforce, a yaw force, and a roll force (task 1712).

Process 1700 may continue by configuring a storage space in the sideunit (task 1714).

Process 1700 may continue by configuring the straight side on an aisle(task 1716).

FIG. 18 is an illustration of an exemplary flowchart showing a process1800 for configuring aircraft passenger cabin seating according to anembodiment of the disclosure. The various tasks performed in connectionwith process 1800 may be performed mechanically, by software, hardware,firmware, computer-readable software, computer readable storage medium,or any combination thereof. It should be appreciated that process 1800may include any number of additional or alternative tasks, the tasksshown in FIG. 18 need not be performed in the illustrated order, and theprocess 1800 may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure orprocess having additional functionality not described in detail herein.

For illustrative purposes, the following description of process 1800 mayrefer to elements mentioned above in connection with FIGS. 1-14. In someembodiments, portions of the process 1800 may be performed by differentelements of the arrangement shown, for example, in FIG. 3 such as: thetrapezoidal seats 316, the triangular shaped passenger floor storage bin342, the side support unit 344 etc. It should be appreciated thatprocess 1800 may include any number of additional or alternative tasks,the tasks shown in FIG. 18 need not be performed in the illustratedorder, and the process 1800 may be incorporated into a morecomprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality notdescribed in detail herein.

Process 1800 may begin by configuring a plurality of curved seating arcseach comprising a plurality of trapezoidal seats comprising a front sidesmaller than a rear side (task 1802).

Process 1800 may continue by aligning each of the curved seating arcs ina forward arc from a straight seat from among the trapezoidal seats to amost-angled seat from among the trapezoidal seats (task 1804).

Process 1800 may continue by positioning the curved seating arcs in anaircraft cabin (task 1806).

Process 1800 may continue by configuring a straight side of the straightseat to substantially align with a center line of an aircraft fuselage(task 1808). Substantially align means alignment may be made accordingto limits of practice and practical considerations, and measured with anaccuracy allowed by measurements devices.

Process 1800 may continue by configuring the most-angled seat outboardof the straight seat (task 1810).

Process 1800 may continue by configuring a most-angled side of themost-angled seat at an angle inboard relative to the straight side (task1812).

Process 1800 may continue by coupling a side unit operable to suspendthe trapezoidal seats to the most-angled side (task 1814).

In this way, embodiments of the disclosure provide a curved seatingarrangement using trapezoidal wedges allowing greater seat width withoutdecreasing a quantity of seats which can be fit into an airplane cabinzone. Embodiments of the disclosure also provide triangular side stowageunits without decreasing seat width. A triangular shaped passengersidewall floor storage bin is enabled via using trapezoid shaped seatcushions on passenger seats placed in a curved seating row.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectivessuch as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” andterms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the itemdescribed to a given time period or to an item available as of a giventime, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional,normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now orat any time in the future.

Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should notbe read as requiring that each and every one of those items be presentin the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expresslystated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with theconjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivityamong that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unlessexpressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements orcomponents of the disclosure may be described or claimed in thesingular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereofunless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence ofbroadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but notlimited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read tomean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances wheresuch broadening phrases may be absent.

The above description refers to elements or nodes or features being“connected” or “coupled” together. As used herein, unless expresslystated otherwise, “connected” means that one element/node/feature isdirectly joined to (or directly communicates with) anotherelement/node/feature, and not necessarily mechanically. Likewise, unlessexpressly stated otherwise, “coupled” means that oneelement/node/feature is directly or indirectly joined to (or directly orindirectly communicates with) another element/node/feature, and notnecessarily mechanically. Thus, although FIGS. 1-15 depict examplearrangements of elements, additional intervening elements, devices,features, or components may be present in an embodiment of thedisclosure.

As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, “operable” means ableto be used, fit or ready for use or service, usable for a specificpurpose, and capable of performing a recited or desired functiondescribed herein. In relation to systems and devices, the term“operable” means the system and/or the device is fully functional andcalibrated, comprises elements for, and meets applicable operabilityrequirements to perform a recited function when activated. In relationto systems and circuits, the term “operable” means the system and/or thecircuit is fully functional and calibrated, comprises logic for, andmeets applicable operability requirements to perform a recited functionwhen activated.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A forward concave trapezoidal seating systemcomprising: a plurality of trapezoidal seats comprising a trapezoidalbase, the trapezoidal base comprising a front side smaller than a rearside, the trapezoidal seats aligned in a forward arc from a straightseat from among the trapezoidal seats to a most-angled seat from amongthe trapezoidal seats, wherein the trapezoidal base of the straight seatcomprises a straight side of the straight seat in parallel with a centerline of an aircraft fuselage; and a most-angled side of the most-angledseat angled inboard relative to the straight side, the most-angled seatoutboard of the straight seat.
 22. The system of claim 21, furthercomprising a side unit coupled to the most-angled side and suspendingthe trapezoidal seats in a cantilever manner, wherein a side of the sideunit is angled inboard relative to the straight side, and wherein theside unit is outboard of the straight seat.
 23. The system of claim 22,wherein the side unit comprises a storage space.
 24. The system of claim22, wherein the trapezoidal seats are supported only by the side unit.25. The system of claim 22, wherein: the trapezoidal seats comprise afirst most-angled seat on a first side and a second most-angled seat ona second side, the side unit comprises a first side unit and a secondside unit, the first side unit is coupled to the first most-angled seat,the second side unit is coupled to the second most-angled seat, and thetrapezoidal seats are supported only by the first side unit and thesecond side unit.
 26. The system of claim 21, wherein the straight sideis configured on an aisle.
 27. The system of claim 21, wherein a firstrow seat in a first row is adjustable to adjust back to recline betweentwo seats in a second row behind the first row.
 28. The system of claim21, wherein the most-angled seat is aligned at an angle that reduces aneffect on a passenger of at least one of: a centrifugal force, a yawforce, and a roll force.
 29. A method for configuring a curved seatingarrangement in an aircraft, the method comprising: aligning a pluralityof trapezoidal seats comprising a trapezoidal base, the trapezoidal basecomprising a front side smaller than a rear side in a forward arc from astraight seat from among the trapezoidal seats to a most-angled seatfrom among the trapezoidal seats, wherein the straight seat comprises astraight side of the trapezoidal base; configuring the straight side ofthe trapezoidal base of the straight seat in parallel with a center lineof an aircraft fuselage; configuring the most-angled seat outboard ofthe straight seat; configuring a most-angled side of the most-angledseat at an angle inboard relative to the straight side; and configuringthe straight side on an aisle.
 30. The method of claim 29, furthercomprising suspending the trapezoidal seats in a cantilever manner froma side unit.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein suspending thetrapezoidal seats in a cantilever manner comprises supporting thetrapezoidal seats only by the side unit.
 32. The method of claim 29,further comprising aligning the most-angled seat at an angle thatreduces an effect on a passenger of at least one of: a centrifugalforce, a yaw force, and a roll force.
 33. The method of claim 29,wherein a side of a side unit is angled inboard relative to the straightside and wherein the side unit is outboard of the straight seat.
 34. Amethod for configuring aircraft passenger cabin seating, the methodcomprising: configuring a plurality of curved seating arcs eachcomprising a plurality of trapezoidal seats, the trapezoidal seatscomprising a trapezoidal base, the trapezoidal base comprising a frontside smaller than a rear side; aligning each of the curved seating arcsin a forward arc from a straight seat from among the trapezoidal seatsto a most-angled seat from among the trapezoidal seats, wherein thetrapezoidal base of the straight seat comprises a straight side inparallel with a center line of an aircraft fuselage; and positioning thecurved seating arcs in an aircraft cabin, wherein the trapezoidal seatsare aligned and positioned in the aircraft cabin such that none of thetrapezoidal seats are angled outboard.
 35. The method of claim 34,further comprising suspending the trapezoidal seats in a cantilevermanner from a side unit.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein suspendingthe trapezoidal seats in a cantilever manner comprises supporting thetrapezoidal seats only by the side unit.
 37. The method of claim 35,wherein a side of the side unit is angled inboard relative to thestraight side and wherein the side unit is outboard of the straightseat.
 38. The method of claim 34, further comprising: configuring themost-angled seat outboard of the straight seat; and configuring amost-angled side of the most-angled seat at an angle inboard relative tothe straight side.
 39. The method of claim 34, further comprisingconfiguring the straight side on an aisle.
 40. The method of claim 34,wherein configuring the plurality of curved seating arcs comprisesforming at least one aisle separating adjacent ones of the plurality ofcurved seating arcs.